Chicago Yachad

Description

Who We Are:

The Orthodox Union (OU) is the largest Orthodox Jewish organization in the U.S., founded in 1898. The OU supports a vast network of synagogues, youth programs, advocacy efforts, services for individuals with disabilities, and international initiatives. It also operates the leading kosher certification service, recognized globally by the symbol on numerous kosher food products.

Position Overview:

The Lead Data Services Associate serves as a subject matter expert across key donation processing workflows and acts as a quality control and escalation point for the Data Services team. This role combines hands-on execution of complex transactions with oversight of junior staff work, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strong cross-functional alignment with Finance and Relationship Managers.

This individual operates with a high degree of independence, is trusted to manage sensitive and high-volume processes, and plays a critical role in maintaining data integrity and improving operational workflows.

Responsibilities:

Advanced Donation Processing & Data Management

• Manage and execute complex transaction workflows, including wires, stock gifts, and non-standard donations
• Update and maintain the wire tracking spreadsheet, including transaction entry, coding, and allocation research
• Input transactions received via non-donation accounts in coordination with accounting
• Monitor and manage the IDB donations account on a daily basis
• Liaise with Accounting to obtain required details for accurate entry into Velocity
• Review and reconcile stock-related activity, including stock tickets and Chase account activity
• Manage and work the pending pledge queue to ensure timely resolution and accurate recording
• Execute and/or oversee soft credit processing for complex donor scenarios

Quality Assurance & Review

• Perform QA review of wire coding and allocations completed by junior staff
• Review Velocity entries for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal standards
• Conduct a wire review to ensure proper documentation, coding, and downstream impact
• Identify trends in errors or inconsistencies and proactively address root causes
• Serve as an escalation point for complex or unclear transactions

Internal Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration

• Partner with Relationship Managers (RMs) to clarify donor intent and resolve allocation questions
• Communicate with Finance/Accounting to reconcile discrepancies and ensure alignment across systems
• Bridge gaps between departments by proactively identifying missing or unclear information
• Support resolution of high-priority or sensitive transaction issues

Ownership of Key Workflows

• Own critical processes, including wire tracking, stock donation processing, and pending pledge management
• Ensure workflows are consistently executed, documented, and improved over time
• Maintain and refine SOPs related to owned processes

Team Support & Leadership

• Act as a go‑to resource for junior team members on complex transactions and systems questions
• Provide guidance and informal training on tools such as Velocity and internal tracking systems
• Review and provide feedback on junior staff work to improve accuracy and efficiency
• Support onboarding and knowledge transfer for new team members

Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in data services, donation processing, or a related operations role
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database systems (Velocity experience preferred)
• Deep understanding of donation types, including wires, stock, and pledges
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage high-volume, complex data
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a customer service or donor support environment
• Familiarity with ServiceNow or similar ticketing/workflow management platforms
• Experience working with cross-functional service queues or internal request systems

Salary & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $60,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience.

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:

The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.

Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.

In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.

Additional Benefits and Perks:

• 10 Paid sick days
• 10-15 Paid vacation days
• Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
• Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
• Free life and disability insurance
• Discounted continuing education opportunities
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)